'There’s something special about Antarctica.' Image: RueK66 / Shutterstock.
'There’s something special about Antarctica.' Image: RueK66 / Shutterstock.

A change of scene?

3 min


‘Job of a lifetime’ advertised for Antarctica

Are you looking to create a lifelong set of memories? Perhaps you’re looking for an escape from nine to five monotony? Maybe you’re aiming to put your skillset to good use in a different environment?

Well, you can’t get much different to living in Antarctica! The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in a range of roles.

And that means anything from carpenters to chefs and from electricians to plumbers, boating officers and plant operators.  

The team explains applying for a job with them will see successful candidates work in an environment unlike any other as they may find themselves based in some of the most remote, and beautiful places, on Earth.

They say it’s a chance to build lifelong friendships and contribute to scientific research which is important in the understanding of our changing world.

‘This job is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I scrape ice off wood, drive skidoos and build things in one of the most extreme places on Earth, yet it’s funny how quickly it all feels normal,’ says carpenter, Eloise Saville.

She’s based at Halley VI Research Station, which sits on an ice shelf and is the furthest south of the BAS research stations. This is her first season in Antarctica.

‘The people here are some of the most interesting and adventurous that I’ve met, and yet they’re normal too! If I’d known this was an option earlier, I’d have been working my way down here all along. It’s not just cold, it’s cool!’

The feeling of ‘being in an amazing place is the same now as it was the first time’

The British Antarctic Survey says it’s an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Ben Norrish joined the organisation in 2001 as a mobile plant technician – he is now Head of Vehicles. He’s spent 16 Antarctic seasons living and working on the ice.

‘There’s something special about Antarctica and the people that adventure there that gets under your skin. No matter how many times you go.’

‘When you step off the ship or aeroplane into Antarctica, look up and take in where you are. That feeling of being in an amazing place is the same now as it was the first time.’

‘I would say to anyone who’s even a bit curious about what it’s like to live on the ice, take the leap and apply for the job of a lifetime – you won’t regret it and you don’t know where it might take you!’

The team says that looking out the window of their workplace and watching icebergs, whales and penguins is an experience that never gets old.

Olivier Hubert, who is now a Catering Manager at British Antarctica Survey was a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant. He decided he was ready for a change of scene.

He’s now ‘over-wintered’ at Rothera Research Station and has also spent a summer at Halley VI Research Station.

‘Being a chef in Antarctica is a very different experience to anything I’ve ever done before.’

‘The views from the kitchen are pretty epic!’

‘Meals are such an important part of life down South – they’re the anchors to the day so the pressure is on to create interesting and nutritious meals with limited supplies.’

‘But it’s such a privilege to cook for the team that become your family while you’re there – plus the views from the kitchen are pretty epic!’

The organisation is often credited for significant research breakthroughs: its’ teams discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice.

It provides the UK’s national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK’s presence in Antarctic affairs.

The British Antarctica Survey produces a regular podcast (Iceworld) to highlight the experiences and stories from people working in polar research.